News

IDABELLE MATLOCK

Idabelle Matlock, a long time resident of Los Altos passed away Friday, February 9, 2007. Services were held at Spangler Mortuaries Saturday, February 17th.

Idabelle was born February 14, 1928 to Alex & Katherine Mill of Ft. Collins, CO. Idabelle moved to San Francisco in 1950 and began her career. She worked for over 50 years in the insurance business beginning her career with Flamer & Company. She retired from Willis Corroon in 1993.

Idabelle enjoyed travelling and one of her favorite places was Hawaii. Idabelle will be greatly missed by her two cats, "Baby" & "Molly" and her beloved "KoKo." They join a long line of her menagerie of loved creatures.

Donations may be made in Idabelle's name to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, San Mateo or the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara.

RICHARD L. HEAD

Richard Head passed away peacefully February 1 in Cupertino at the age of 95. He was a native Californian and a lifelong resident of the Peninsula. He was born in Burlingame on October 23, 1911, and resided in Los Altos for over 22 years. His mother and father were Burlingame pioneers. His father, Floyd Head Sn., started the first shoe store in Burlingame in 1910.

Richard's wife, Dorothy Jean Head, preceded him in death. They were married for 65 years. His two brothers, Gordon Head of Los Altos and Floyd Head Jr. of Green Valley, AZ, survive Richard. Three children, Kris Otis of Sunnyvale, Gordon Lawrence of Oakton, VA, and Linda Adamski of San Luis Obispo, and three grandchildren, Michael Otis of Los Angeles and Mitch and Kirsten Head of Oakton, VA, also survive him. All of his family loved and respected him very much and looked upon him as an incredible source of inspiration.

Richard graduated from Burlingame High in 1929 and from Stanford University in 1934. He started his life of public service as a teacher and coach at Tamalpais, a private boy's school in San Rafael. Then he worked in Public Health where he was employed 32 years as Executive Director of bay area Tuberculosis Associations - including Alameda Co., California, and San Francisco. He was with the San Francisco Association for 23 years.

Post retirement, he was an active volunteer for the Red Cross, Sempervirens, Save-the-Redwoods, and POST. He spent several enjoyable years as a crossing guard for the Los Altos Elementary School District where both children and parents adored him.

During their lifetime, Richard and Jean had many interests, but particularly enjoyed traveling, making yearly trips to Europe. When they weren't traveling, the two of them enjoyed gardening and boasted wonderful flower and vegetable gardens. Richard was an avid reader and loved sporting events. He rode his bicycle on the streets of Los Altos and Stanford University with his brother Gordon until he was 90. All who came in contact with Richard will sorely miss him.

A private family memorial is planned for the end of February. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sempervirens Fund and Peninsula Open Space Trust.

FLORENCE ANN "ANNIE" BROESAMLE

Florence Ann " Annie" Broesamle, born October 14, 1920, died peacefully in her sleep early Saturday morning, February 10, 2007.

Mom was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Donal J. Broesamle. She is survived by her four children, Peter Broesamle of Scotts Valley, Don Broesamle of Mount Hermon, Katy B. Araujo of Edmonds, Washington, and John Broesamle of Orange County. She is also survived by three daughter-in-laws, ten grandchildren, and two great-children.

Mom attended Palo Alto High School, and went on to graduate from Stanford University in 1942. In 1943 she married Donal Broesamle: "the love of my life". They moved to Los Altos after the war, where they raised their family.

For the past 40 years, Mom always said that the most important person in her life was Jesus Christ. She came to faith in Christ in 1966, along with her entire family. That commitment never wavered, and all of her children and grandchildren were immensely blessed by her life of faith. We have been inspired by her willingness to learn, grow, change, and love others every day of her life.

In her seventies, Mom took a part-time job caring for elderly women. She remained active in her Stanford women's society, Cap and Gown; belonged to two bridge groups; led a women's Bible Study; mentored younger women; and served as a deaconess. She was looking forward to joining the choir at The Forum in the Spring.

We were so blessed to have such a wonderful mother, friend, mentor, and example. With great blessing comes great loss. As her family, we are grateful that Mom instilled in us a love for each other, and has left us that "shelter" as her greatest legacy.

Memorial Services were held at the First Baptist Church of Los Altos on Friday, February 16, followed with a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Partners International (Spokane), or to Campus Crusade for Christ.